York Knights have officially confirmed that Paul Vaughan will retire from professional rugby league at the conclusion of the 2026 Super League season.
Vaughan accumulated 14 years of playing in both the NRL and Super League, headlined by receiving a call-up for representative honours with the NSW Blues in 2018 and the Australian Kangaroos in 2019.
He burst onto the scene in 2013 with the Canberra Raiders, playing three years in the nation's capital before making the high-profile transfer to Wollongong in 2017, where Vaughan played his best footy for the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The journeyman forward also represented Italy at Test level on six occasions.
Vaughan established himself as a damaging front rower while in the Red V, but parted ways with the club in 2021 after he held a barbeque gathering at his house during intense COVID-19 lockdown laws.
The 35-year-old notched up 200 NRL games when he made the switch to the Bulldogs in 2022, playing a solitary season in blue and white before heading overseas to Warrington.
Since being in England, Vaughan has surpassed 300 games across both hemispheres and moved to York for 2026, where he has now drawn the curtain on an illustrious career.
"Rugby league has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. What started as a childhood dream became a career and a journey I could never have imagined, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have lived it," he said in a Knights statement.
"To my family, teammates, coaches, staff and everyone who has supported me over the years, thank you. You've all played a part in a journey I'll be forever proud of.
As announced at tonight's annual Awards Night, York RLFC can confirm that veteran prop forward Paul Vaughan will retire from professional rugby league at the conclusion of the 2026 Betfred Super League season.
Vaughan will hang up his boots following an incredible 14-year… pic.twitter.com/4ScelvtoHX
— York RLFC Knights (@YorkRLFC) September 8, 2026
"To York Knights, thank you for giving me the opportunity to finish my career doing what I've loved since I was a kid. I wish the club, the boys and all the fans nothing but the best moving forward.
"I walk away from the game grateful, proud and with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
"What a ride. Thank you."
